Dog AID Training Scheme

The Dog AID Training Scheme is a progressive training scheme that's starts with basic exercises and socialisation. Once these have been mastered it is possible to work on specialised tasks where the dog can learn to be of help to you in your home. For suitable dogs it is possible to move to Level Two. This level teaches a variety of skills to prepare the dog for being in Public Places. Dogs are also required to undergo further socialisation. For suitable dogs it is possible to move onto Level Three. At Level Three the client will be able to go into Public places with a Dog AID trainer and to train both control exercises and specialised tasks in the Public arena.

As well as passing the assessment at the end of each level the dog will also be assessed for its suitability to progress to the next level. Temperament, recovery rate if disturbed by an event or situation and ability to cope with stress will be important factors in this assessment. The ability of the client to handle their dog in the Public eye will also be assessed.

Initially the training is not training for an Assistance Dog but training in basic and advanced control. It is only when the dog reaches Level Three that it is considered that the dog is in training as an Assistance Dog.

Level One

Once accepted onto the scheme the client will work at level one, training basis control exercises. Without these control exercises it is not possible to go on to teach the more advanced exercises or tasks. Dogs at this level are able to go into shops that a normal pet dog would be allowed into, e.g. Pet shops, Pet City, bank, building Society. However, if asked to remove their dog they must comply with this instruction. Dogs at this level are not allowed to go into Public Places where ordinary pet dogs would not be allowed to go.

Once the basic control exercises have been mastered it is possible to work on specialised tasks where the dog can learn to be of help to the client in his/her home. Clients will be able to choose from a range of tasks those that will be of most benefit for them. This means that every dog that completes Level One is able to be a help to their owners in the house, the place that most owners feel they need the most help. Assessment at the end of Level One is carried out by the client's own Dog AID trainer.

Level Two

For dogs of suitable temperaments it will be possible to move onto Level Two. At this level dogs are trained to ignore food in a variety of situations including those that would be an extreme temptation to the dog. They are taught more advanced control exercises and undergo an advanced socialisation programme. Dogs at this level are able to go into shops that a normal pet dog would be allowed into, e.g. Parks which have ducks and other animals and birds, Pet shops, Pet City, Pets At Home, Bank, Building Society. However, if asked to remove their dog they must comply with this instruction. Dogs at this level are not allowed to go into Public Places where ordinary pet dogs would not be allowed to go.

Dogs that are assessed as having suitable steady temperaments, good recovery skills and the ability to cope with the increased stress will be able to move onto Level Three. This will be an independent assessor at this stage of the training.

Level Three

This is the Assistance Level Training and only dogs who have been well socialised, with a stable temperament, good recovery skills and ability to cope with a lot of stress will be able to come onto this level. Dogs will also need to have been neutered. On Level Three clients will learn how to transfer the skills learnt on Level Two into Public places. This will involve further advanced socialisation. Extra training will take place around both basic and advanced control exercises. In addition your dog will have the opportunity to learn how to cope with a variety of new situations, e.g. lifts. You will only be able to take your dog into Public Places where Assistance Dogs are allowed when with your trainer.

At the end of Level Three there will be an assessment of client and dog carried out by an independent assessor. To pass this, dogs must be of the highest standard in training, socialisation and be of stable temperament, able to cope well with stressful situations. Owners need to show consideration of their dog and excellent handling skills.

Owners & Dogs that pass this test will be given Assistance Dogs status. They will be required to have an annual re-assessment to ensure the same high standard is maintained. Owners are required to have a health check of their dog at least every 12 months and more often in certain circumstances. Dogs are required to have Public Liability and a Health insurance for the length of their lives.

Applying To Dog AID for Training

We feel it is important to keep you up to date with our current situation. Dog AID is composed entirely of voluntary dog trainers who give their time and expertise freely. The scheme has become very popular over the last few years, with many more people applying than we can accommodate. Currently many of our trainers are working to full capacity. Consequently we are putting many potential clients on a waiting list, often for a considerable length of time, (1-2 years). Therefore we cannot guarantee you a place on the scheme. If you do not yet have a dog and intend getting a dog purely so you can train it up to help you we strongly advise you not to get a dog unless we have a trainer available for you at that time.

Procedure for Applying To DOG AID

1. Register your interest in joining the Dog AID scheme by filling in and returning the two forms entitled 'Register An Interest In Receiving Dog AID Training'
2. If we are able to match you with a trainer straight away we will contact you to let you know and you will then need to send in a complete application consisting of completed vet's form, references, contract, a letter from your doctor and the form 'Information on Potential Client' which will be passed onto your trainer.
3. If we are not able to match you up with a trainer we will keep your details on our waiting list and should we have a trainer available in the future we will then contact you.

Waiting Clients

We now have a team of people who are searching for suitable trainers to match up to clients on our waiting list. Whilst there is no guarantee of finding a trainer we are doing our best to attract trainers in the areas where there is a need.